June is LGBT Pride Month, which recognizes the victories and accomplishments toward greater LGBT equality. President Obama officially proclaimed June as LGBT Pride Month last week. In a statement, President Obama called on “the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people.” In his call to action, Obama also asked Americans to follow the example of leaders who have stood up for LGBT rights. As he explained it is important to “speak for tolerance, justice, and dignity — because if hearts and minds continue to change over time, laws will too.”

Nowhere is President Obama's message more necessary than here in Texas. Republican leadership has proven itself to be firmly against equality time and time again–and that's just in the past week. The Texas Republican Party barred the Log Cabin Republicans from having a table at the state Republican convention, using legal precedent that was set up by Greg Abbott himself. Abbott and other Republicans are going to be speaking at the Texas Republican Party's “Defense of Texas Marriage Amendment Rally” tomorrow, recommitting themselves to backward views that have no place in this century.

In contrast, the Texas Democratic Party is recognizing Pride Month as a celebration of equality for all Texans. Democrats in Texas are working hard elect candidates who respect the LGBT community and will make sure their rights are protected.

Read the Texas Democratic Party's statement on Pride Month after the jump. In a statement, TDP Chair Gilberto Hinojosa reaffirmed Texas Democrats' support for Pride Month:

This Pride Month we remember the contributions that the LGBT community have made towards a fairer, brighter country for all. Texas Democrats have stood side by side with the LGBT community because we all agree that no matter who you love, the color of your skin, or your gender, in Texas we should all have a fair shot to succeed.

As the first southern state party to include marriage equality in our party platform, the Texas Democratic Party is proud to be an ally to the LGBT community. It is unfortunate that our opponents across the political aisle, in the Republican party, continue to hold bigoted positions that silence the voice of Texans.

About Author

Katie grew up in Austin and has been involved in Texas politics since 2004. She has been a part of several campaigns, from state house races to working at President Obama's campaign headquarters in 2012. She loves public policy, public health, and tacos.
Katie tweets from @kasingh19.